UAM Student Learns Glamor and Glitz of Cosmetology

Tara Snider Coburn
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Courtesy of Make-up by Ashlyn

Glamour - Ashlyn Avery (left) poses with client Kailyn Davis (right) after applying make-up. Avery recently became certified as a make-up artist and plans to attend Imagine Paul Mitchell cosmetology school in Little Rock next year.

   While working towards a career in the medical field, a University of Arkansas student decided to fulfill her life-long dreams to become a cosmetologist and a certified make-up artist.

   In January 2011, Ashlyn Avery, a sophomore, plans to attend Imagine Paul Mitchell Partner School in Little Rock.

   Dreaming of a career in cosmetology and make-up since 15 years old, Avery recently decided to take a chance and explore the ins-and-outs of hair styles and make-up.

   Avery’s interest in hair and make-up services became more than a dream as she searched the internet for hair styles. She stumbled upon hair and make-up tutorials on YouTube and her imagination ran wild.

   Avery began watching any and every tutorial she could find in her spare time, until she finally gained enough confidence to tell her parents the medical field was no longer one of her goals.

   With a quick phone call and an early Christmas present from her grandparents, she registered for a weekend of fun and what turned out to be a career-changing experience.

   Kandee Johnson, a celebrity make-up artist, gave Avery the knowledge and inspiration to follow her dreams.

   “I loved her work and her 'you can do anything you want if you set your mind to it attitude',” Avery said.

   With Johnson teaching classes in surrounding states on make-up application, Avery recently attended a “Glaminar” class in Houston, Tex.

   From the application process of make-up to learning how to minimize the costs of products, Avery learned many helpful hints in facing her new found career challenges. As she completed Johnson’s training, Avery became a certified make-up artist.

   “I left there knowing this is what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” Avery said.

   Avery came back to Monticello and put her tips and tricks of make-up application to work. From UAM students to others in the community, Avery’s clientele exceeds 40 individuals.

   With a Facebook page and homemade business cards, Avery’s dreams are becoming a reality.

   From UAM homecoming maids to holiday looks of Halloween, whether airbrushed on or applied by hand, Avery can enhance the looks of any individual.

   For more information, e-mail make_upbyashlyn@yahoo.com.

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